What Causes Excessive Protein Deposits on Contact Lenses?

Tears

Protein deposits on your contact lenses make them uncomfortable, irritating and itchy. They can make your vision blurry and may lead to conjunctivitis. There are two types of protein deposits in your tears. Native proteins are not visible and are easily removed when cleaning your lenses. Denatured proteins make the lenses hazy. If you are experiencing difficulties with your contact lenses, or you believe you may have an eye infection, discontinue wearing your lenses and contact your eye doctor.

Removing the Protein

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Enzymatic cleaners can remove the protein from your lenses. After removing and cleaning your lenses, place them in the enzyme cleaner to soak for two hours. After two hours, clean and rinse them again, then place in disinfecting solution overnight. It is recommended that protein be removed once a week. You should use the lens products recommended by your eye doctor.

Disposable Lenses

Wearing disposable lenses will eliminate the problem of protein buildup. Daily disposables are worn just one day and then thrown away. Extended wear disposables may be worn for seven days and nights before changing them. If you wear them only during the day, you can wear them for 14 days. Disposable lenses are more costly then regular lenses but are much more convenient and easy to care for.